Constipation Treatment in Plainville, CT

Constipation occurs when bowel movements become less frequent and stools become difficult to pass. It happens because your colon absorbs too much water from waste (stool), which dries out the stool making it hard in consistency and difficult to push out of the body. Constipation can occur when a person changes their diet or routine, has inadequate intake of fiber, or has loss of muscle tone. You should call your doctor if you have severe pain, blood in your stools, or constipation that lasts longer than three weeks.

If you’re dealing with persistent constipation, it’s important to consult a specialist to identify the cause and explore treatment options. At Connecticut Colon & Rectal Surgery, LLC in Plainville, CT, we offer personalized care to help manage your symptoms and improve your digestive health.

Contact us at (860) 854-3505 to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward feeling better.

What is Constipation?

Having fewer than three bowel movements a week is, technically, the definition of constipation. However, how often you “go” varies widely from person to person. Some people have bowel movements several times a day while others have them only one to two times a week. Whatever your bowel movement pattern is, it is unique and normal for you – as long as you don’t stray too far from your pattern.

Regardless of your bowel pattern, one fact is certain: the longer you go before you “go,” the more difficult it becomes for stool/poop to pass. Other key features that usually define constipation include:

• Your stools are dry and hard.
• Your bowel movement is painful and stools are difficult to pass.
• You have a feeling that you have not fully emptied your bowels.

How Common is Constipation?

You are not alone if you have constipation. Constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. At least 2.5 million people see their doctor each year due to constipation.

People of all ages can have an occasional bout of constipation. There are also certain people and situations that are more likely to lead to becoming more consistently constipated (“chronic constipation”). These include:

• Older age. Older people tend to be less active, have a slower metabolism, and less muscle contraction strength along their digestive tract than when they were younger.
• Women during pregnancy and after childbirth may experience changes and make them more prone to constipation.
• Not eating enough high-fiber foods. High-fiber foods keep food moving through the digestive system.
• Certain medications for a variety of common conditions.
• Having certain neurological (diseases of the brain and spinal cord) and digestive disorders.

What Causes Constipation?

There are many causes of constipation such as lifestyle choices, medications, medical conditions, and pregnancy.

Common lifestyle causes of constipation include:

• Eating foods low in fiber
• Not drinking enough water
• Not getting enough exercise
• Changes in your regular routine
• Stress
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
• More serious and undiagnosed conditions such as a malignancy

Medications that can cause constipation include:

• Strong pain medications, such as narcotics (i.e., oxycodone and hydrocodone)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e., Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve)
• Antidepressants (i.e., Fluoxetine)
• Antacids that contain calcium or aluminum (i.e., Tums)
• Iron pills
• Allergy medications (i.e., Benadryl)
• Certain blood pressure medications
• Psychiatric medications (i.e., Clozapine)
• Anticonvulsant / Seizure medications
• Antinausea medications (i.e., Zofran)

Medical and health conditions that can cause constipation include:

• Endocrine conditions (i.e., hypothyroidism and diabetes)
• Colorectal cancer
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Diverticular disease
• Outlet dysfunction constipation
• Intestinal obstruction
• Neurologic disorders (i.e., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease)
• Structural defects of the digestive system (i.e., fistula)
• Multiple organ disease (i.e., lupus)
• Pregnancy

What are the Symptoms of Constipation?

Symptoms of constipation include:

• Having fewer than three bowel movements a week
• Having dry, hard and/or lumpy stools
• Straining to have a bowel movement
• Difficulty or pain passing your stools
• Stomach ache or cramps
• Feeling bloated and nausea
• Feeling that you haven’t completely emptied your bowels after a movement
• Feeling as though there’s a blockage in your rectum or needing help emptying your rectum (i.e., using your fingers to manually remove stool from the rectum or pressing down on your abdomen)

What Tests may be Done to Find the Cause of my Constipation?

The physicians at Connecticut Colon & Rectal Surgery, LLC have a goal to effectively treat constipation by developing an individualized treatment plan based on the symptoms and the cause of your constipation. In some cases, it may be necessary to undergo some testing to diagnose the cause of your constipation. Some testing may include but is not limited to:

• Colonoscopy
• CT Scans (Computed Tomography)
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• Colorectal transit studies
• Defecography

How is Constipation Treated?

Based on the duration and risk factors, your physician can help determine a treatment plan that is best tailored to your needs.

When Should I call my Doctor?

Call your colorectal surgeon if:

• Constipation is a new problem for you.
• You see blood in your stool.
• You are unintentionally losing weight.
• You have severe pain with bowel movements.
• Your constipation has lasted more than three weeks.

Remember, talk openly and honestly with your doctor about your bowel movements and any questions or concerns you may have. Bowel movements are something we all should have. Constipation may be a temporary situation, a long-term problem, or a sign of a more serious condition. Be safe. See your doctor, especially if you’ve noticed a change in your bowel pattern or if your life is being ruled by your bowels.

Schedule a Constipation Appointment in Plainville, CT

If you’re struggling with constipation, it’s important to seek the right care to address both the symptoms and potential underlying causes. At Connecticut Colon & Rectal Surgery, LLC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating constipation with personalized, effective solutions. Contact us today at (860) 854-3505 to schedule an appointment at our colon-rectal surgery clinic in Plainville, CT and take the first step toward improved digestive health.